Repentance and Remission of Sins

Moroni tells us that when priests and teachers were ordained anciently, they were given the responsibility “to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end” (Moroni 3:3).

John the Baptist preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3). Nephi, who later became one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, “did preach…repentance and remission of sins” (3 Nephi 7:16, 23, 25; see also 3 Nephi 1:23). And following His resurrection, Jesus assured his eleven apostles that the scriptures had foretold His death and resurrection, which paved the way for “repentance and remission of sins” to be “preached in his name among all nations” (Luke 24:47).

Preaching repentance sounds like an exhortation or invitation, urging people to do something.

Preaching remission of sins sounds like declaring good news, assuring people that their sins can go away, that they need not be burdened by them any more.

President Russell M. Nelson said:

My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. …

Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter.

“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” General Conference, October 2024

Implied in all of these passages is a connection between repentance and remission of sins. Moroni’s father explained this connection in a letter to his son, while also emphasizing the importance of baptism and obedience in this transformative process:

Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. …

And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;

Moroni 8:11, 25

Today, I will be grateful for invitations to change and for the assurance that I can let my old self go. I will remember that the transformation I seek is possible only because of the Savior’s sacrifice on my behalf. I will strive to keep the covenants I’ve made with Him and to repent every day, with confidence that I can become better every day.